In January, the architects will hold a community forum to gather public opinion about the design and function of the new library. The city isn't sure when it will begin building the new library, but the Friends of the Library will begin working in 2011 on a campaign to raise money to build the new library.

The Cornelius library is nearly 100 years old and right now occupies a 3,025-square-foot space inside city hall. About 60,000 people visit the library each year. Oregon library standards suggest that a library serving that many people be about 9,000 square feet.

The Cornelius Friends of the Library and the library itself have received more than $67,000 in contributions this year, including $45,000 from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.